Past projects 11
Robot Needs "Better Half"
Funded Dec 15, 2024I am writing to express our heartfelt appreciation for your generous contribution in purchasing a Chromebook for our First Lego League robotics team. Your support is making a significant impact on our students' learning experiences.
With the new Chromebook, our team members are diving into the exciting world of coding as they learn to program the Spike Prime robot. The students are currently using this technology to complete various missions in preparation for the upcoming qualifier, and it has been inspiring to see their enthusiasm and creativity flourish.
This Chromebook is not just a tool for coding; it is fostering collaboration and teamwork among our students. They are working together, sharing ideas, and developing problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond this competition. Your generosity is helping to cultivate a spirit of innovation and cooperation that is essential for their growth.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
This classroom project was brought to life by Con Edison and one other donor.MathBots: 21st Century Math Class
Funded Nov 13, 2024I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in purchasing five Makeblock mBot robots for my 7th grade math classes. Your contribution is not only enhancing our curriculum but also significantly impacting the students' learning experiences.
With these innovative robots, we will be addressing several important Next Generation Math Standards, including:
• 7.RP.A.1: Analyzing proportional relationships and using them to solve real-world and mathematical problems.
• 7.EE.B.4: Representing quantities with variables in real-world problems and constructing equations and inequalities to solve them.
• 7.G.B.6: Solving real-world and mathematical problems involving area, surface area, and volume.
Beyond these standards, we are excited to implement specific STEM projects that will engage the students in hands-on learning. These projects include:
1. Robot Programming Project: Students will learn to code the mBots using block-based programming. This initiative will not only strengthen their understanding of algorithms but also develop their problem-solving skills in a practical context.
2. Data Collection and Analysis: By utilizing the mBots to conduct tasks such as measuring distances and speeds, students will gather data, analyze it, and create visual representations like graphs. This project will help them apply their mathematical knowledge to real-world situations.
3. Collaborative Engineering Challenges: In groups, students will design and build a robot obstacle course that requires them to apply geometry concepts such as angles and measurements. This project fosters teamwork and critical thinking as they iterate on their designs.
Through these engaging activities, the students will also develop essential 21st-century skills that are not traditionally taught in a 7th grade math class, such as coding collaboration, creativity, communication, and digital literacy. These skills are vital for their future success in an increasingly technology-driven world. Thank you for believing in us and making a difference in our classroom.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
This classroom project was brought to life by Young Sheldon and one other donor.Our Robot Needs a Home
Funded Dec 5, 2022The 7th grade First Lego League Robotics team is extremely grateful for the contribution you made. Because of your donation, the robot we will use in competition has a proper practice space and storage area for the multitude of pieces required to successfully implement the engineering design process.
The makerspace table you purchased for us has a butcherblock top that is the same size as the board used in competition. The team will have practice sessions that mirror real competition conditions (instead of the cardboard we had balancing on the desks before). The storage and shelves will help us organize the tiny, delicate pieces the team will use to modify their robot to complete more missions.
Even assembling the table was an unforgettable experience. The students' ingenuity and enthusiasm was necessary because we had to put it together ourselves. This table will be used for years to come. The kids said, they feel "legit" now :)”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
This classroom project was brought to life by Cognizant Foundation and 2 other donors.Our Robot Has Been Benched
Funded Mar 23, 2023The members of the First Lego League Robotics team were thrilled when they were informed that their new robot and expansion pack was purchased. The robot we had was no longer supported by the software so a new one was necessary to continue participating in robotics competitions. Without the updated materials, they would have no way of coding the robot to complete the missions that are a crucial part of the competition.
Coding is an essential skill for near future careers. The number of jobs that require coding skills will grow exponentially because most services and products are being digitized. Learning these skills at a young age provides students with confidence to achieve success.
First Lego League integrates science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with "Coopertition" which means competing always, but assisting and enabling others when you can. Through this challenging, team-based competition, participants gain real-world problem-solving experience which helps them learn to build a better future together.
Your gift has given my students an experience they will never forget. They will apply the knowledge gained from preparing for and participating in FLL competitions in a way that would not be possible without your help. We hope you know how much it is appreciated. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
The Cold Never Bothered Me Anyway
Funded Mar 2, 2019Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to have cold air accessible to us for experiments, lunch and so much more! The door to our new refrigerator is actually a door for investigation and exploration of our ideas. In the past, we had to think hypothetically and make guesses about certain situations but now we can actually use the refrigerator and freezer to test out our hypotheses. Our conclusions will have concrete data to support them instead of educated guessing. We greatly appreciate your generous donation.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
Learning My Way
Funded Mar 7, 2019Now that we have (literally) technology at our fingertips, we can explore, research and learn in our own way! Thank you for giving us each the opportunity to pose questions, look up information to satisfy our curiosity and feed our inquisitive minds. Math isn't static anymore! It is a real, living thing in our classroom and with the use of our iPads, 2 students at a time can investigate real life scenarios that can be applied to the math we are learning in our classroom. No more wondering! Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
Maker Space in Math
Funded Feb 4, 2019It is amazing how many items it takes to create the ideas students dream up. Because of you and your donation, we were able to purchase a full class set of white boards complete with markers and erasers (for use during our Jeopardy test review games), tape, staples, markers, constructions paper, a caddy of scissors and many more items to make math come to life! My students were thrilled when the boxes arrived and immediately started describing the creative things they would use the supplies for. You have certainly made our classroom a better place to learn.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
Rubik's Cube = ALGEBRA!
Funded Jan 12, 2019With the purchase of a full class set (30 total) of Rubik's cubes, we were able to implement a lesson on solving equations like never before. My students have a much deeper, better understanding of the concept of solving algebraic equations because they literally solved them hands-on! Your donation really changed their way of thinking and has helped them to become more concrete thinkers. This is a skill they will use far beyond our classroom doors. Thank you so much for your contribution and support!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
A Laptop Could Change Everything!
Funded Dec 2, 2011Thank you so much for giving my students and I this gift. I try my best to find the newest, most interesting techniques and technology to help my students learn most effectively. With this piece of equipment, you have opened doors and broadened our horizons. Because of you, many students and many classes will now be able to individually track their progress and continue to have fun learning math with the interactive lessons I design. We greatly appreciate the time and money you spent to fund this project. ”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano
Math Jeopardy: What is the Most Fun Way to Study?
Funded Apr 18, 2011Thank you so much for purchasing the Eggspert Wireless Buzzers for my classes. This week we have been playing math Jeopardy and the kids love it! We are reviewing all of the math they learned this year in a fun way. Every student is involved and doing their best to win! Because of your help, my students are actually studying in June...it's fantastic! My eighth graders are preparing for high school by reviewing algebra and geometry. My seventh graders can't wait to get to class! I even have other classes requesting to come play with us. You have made a tremendous difference in their day. Thank you!”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Ditrano